Glaucolepis
Braun, 1917
Species Guides
1Glaucolepis is a of minute in the Nepticulidae, established by Braun in 1917. in this genus are leaf miners with specialized associations, particularly with plants in the genus Bupleurum (Apiaceae). The genus is distributed in southwestern Europe and northern Africa, with some records from North America. barcode analysis suggests monophyletic origins for host plant associations within the genus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Glaucolepis: //ɡlaʊˈkɒlɪpɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Distribution
Southwestern Europe and northern Africa, with additional records from Denmark, Vermont (USA), and other parts of the United States. The center of diversity appears to be the Mediterranean region where shrubby Bupleurum occur.
Diet
Larvae feed on Bupleurum (Apiaceae). Specific records include B. gibraltarium, B. rigidum, and B. fruticosum.
Host Associations
- Bupleurum gibraltarium - larval southern Spain
- Bupleurum rigidum - larval southern France, Spain, and Portugal
- Bupleurum fruticosum - larval Sicily
Life Cycle
Larval stage develops as leaf miners on Bupleurum .
Similar Taxa
- TrifurculaGlaucolepis has been treated as a subgenus of Trifurcula; the two share -level characteristics of Nepticulidae but differ in plant specialization and geographic distribution patterns.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Glaucolepis has historically been treated as a subgenus of Trifurcula. The Bupleurum-feeding group within Glaucolepis has been subject to recent revision, with three new species described based on plant specificity and barcode analysis.
Molecular Evidence
NJ and Bayesian analysis of barcodes supports a single origin of Bupleurum feeding within Glaucolepis, indicating plant shift as a driver of speciation in this group.